The Challenges of Being Cristina Yang
Sandra Oh, well-known for her role as Cristina Yang in the iconic show Grey’s Anatomy, recently opened up about her decade-long experience on set. In a heartfelt speech to graduates at Dartmouth College, she described this time as both gratifying and challenging. Oh acknowledged that while Grey’s Anatomy provided her with significant financial stability and fame, it also came with struggles that shaped her as an individual and an actress.
The Script Demands and Artistic Responsibility
During her tenure on the show, Sandra felt deeply responsible for her character. She revealed that she often demanded changes to scripts when something did not resonate with her vision of Cristina. “I would fight for what I believed was right for the character,” she stated, reflecting on the nuances of acting and character development. Unfortunately, these script demands could also create tension between herself and the writing team, leading to emotional challenges for both parties.
A New Perspective on Discomfort
In her speech, Sandra recounted a pivotal moment from Season 6 when she found herself at an impasse with the writers. After a frank conversation with creator Shonda Rhimes, she began to adopt a new approach towards discomfort. “When I stopped trying to bend things to my will and stayed open to my discomfort, a new thing came through,” she explained. This shift in perspective not only enhanced her performance but also fostered personal growth. Oh ultimately emphasized the importance of embracing discomfort as a pathway to resilience and understanding oneself better. In her words, navigating challenges can teach us invaluable lessons about our values and identity.
